Who Do You Work For?

posted by Paula Hendricks on 06/01/09 | Twitter: @PaulaWrites678
Category: The Future; ; 31 comments

Hey, Chicas! Erin asked me to tackle some of your questions since I’m an “NBM” like you (a “Never Been Married”). Some of you are asking questions like, “Is college okay?” “Is having a job at all okay?”

Ummm . . . Absolutely! But, here’s the catch. Whether we’re processing important documents at our desk or cleaning up after our children and husbands, we need to understand our ultimate purpose.

One of your comments especially caught my eye: I want to have a job, a job that makes me look good.

I understand. Really, I do. But do you know that there’s something vastly better to seek after than your own attention, fulfillment, and affirmation? Do me a fave and read these verses carefully:

“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:23-24).

Whatever we do—whether we’re picking up trash on the side of the road; cleaning a toilet; providing relief to a sick patient; or designing clothes—we can do it for God’s glory rather than for our own glory! In fact, that’s exactly why we were created. We may submit to and serve a direct supervisor at work or a husband at home—but ultimately, we’re serving Jesus through our words and actions (Talk about raising the stakes!).

Here are a few questions to help you discover who you’re currently serving and glorifying:


    •    Do I work harder when others are around?
    •    Would I do what I do with as much gusto if no one was watching?
    •    Am I disappointed or even bitter when I’m not praised for what I do?
    •    Do I give God credit regularly for the talents and strength He’s given me? Or do I not even think to thank Him when others praise me?

Oh, Father, You are only One who is good and worthy of praise. Impress us with this. Help us—whether we’re in a flashy environment, or whether no one sees what we do—to live in a way that’s worthy of the One True God. Let us show others Your beauty through our lives and our work. 


Because of Jesus, who gave all for us,

Amen.

Comments

HEY, GIRLS! We love hearing from you, but feel limited in the ways we can help. For one thing, we’re not trained counselors. If you’re seeking counsel, we encourage you to talk to your pastor or a godly woman in your life as they’ll know more details and can provide you with ongoing accountability and help. Also, the following comments do not necessarily reflect the views of Revive Our Hearts. We reserve the right to remove comments which might be unhelpful, unsuitable, or inappropriate.

    Vinda
    Really Inspiring--thanks!!
    on Monday, June 1, 2009 at 10:55 am
    Thanks. this is such a good article. Thanks for reminding me how we should work for God's glory instead of my own. :)

    Thank you :)
    Steph
    ehhhhhh
    on Monday, June 1, 2009 at 11:08 am
    Wow, that was majorly convicting. Yeah, I work harder when others are around (i.e., the boss). I also am very unpleased if the boss does not congratulate me when I do a good job.

    Danggggg.
    Aeryn
    Thank you :)
    on Monday, June 1, 2009 at 12:41 pm
    I really needed to read this. I live in New York, and we have this competition called NYSSMA. I just got my score: 99 out of 100%. And apparently it was also the highest grade out of all the auditions that the judge graded. You'd think I'd be happy, right?

    ...Nope.

    See, I did an All-State audition. I'm a soprano. You need AT LEAST a 100 to be even considered for someone like me. And MAYBE you'll get in. Without that 100, I have literally no chance. I was very upset, and had an attitude with my friends and boyfriend, and I feel really bad about it. So I read this, and almost like, cried. I've been looking for self-glory or whatever, and not really taking into consideration that God loves me even if I got a 50 on that stupid audition.

    I know that's not really a "job," persay, but you geddit. So thank you, alot. :)
    Theresa
    thankyou for the reminder!
    on Monday, June 1, 2009 at 2:27 pm
    i loved reading this b/c i just wrote out the verse in Corinthians the other day and posted it on my bedroom mirror as a reminder...........
    but this is still such a good point.
    EVERYTHING we do should be to God's glory
    so thanks for the reminder!!
    Lauren Purser
    I agree!
    on Monday, June 1, 2009 at 3:21 pm
    I really like this article, because it also assures those out there who are concerned if being a wife and mother is a noble enough job and if it's ok to want your full-time career to be being a wife and mother. I used to be so against the idea of being a wife and mother. I said, " either a long time from now or never." God has totally changed me. Now I am looking forward to being a young wife and mother-hopefully in the next 3-4 years. It's amazing how He can change your mind in a short amount of time.
    i need advice!
    friend problem
    on Monday, June 1, 2009 at 4:54 pm
    okay, this has nothing to do with the article, but it is a problem i am having. it is really long story, but in a nutshell, my best friend has become a different person. she used to be quiet, she didn't treat me stupid when i said something wrong, she didn't flirt, and was nice. but a couple months ago, she started hanging around with another girl (who i am not close with). well, that girl got a boyfriend, and i think my friend was jealous of the attention her friend was getting. all of a sudden, my friend has become a double of the other girl. they act flirty, loud, silly, random, hyper, and tell stupid stories that have no meaning and no point to them. she treats me like i'm stupid and it's awkward when we're alone. my friend WAS NOT like that before. i loved her before and she used to confide in me and everything but i guess that is all down the drain. she just sent me an e-mail that said "i don't feel i am close to you anymore" and "i don't feel free to tell you things anymore". i want to tell her that she has become a different person and it is really hard for me to be around her and tell her that she has really hurt me, but i want to do it in love, and not hurt her back. advice please!
    Jenny
    Thanks!
    on Monday, June 1, 2009 at 5:21 pm
    Thanks for the great blog.
    I do want to have a job and look good, but I wasn't quite sure how.
    Those were some great questions that you asked! I think they can apply for all of life not just work.
    God Bless!
    micala
    Re:
    on Monday, June 1, 2009 at 8:49 pm
    I think this counts for everything not only for work. Because when i am on the swim tea i think that i am really good and show off to everyone that has never seen me swim. even if you have you wold think that i was pretty fast. But i keep thinking to myself that i should not be in swimming anymore because i am not good enough. so instead of thinking how good i am i should just glorify the LORD.
    RIGHT!!!:)
    Angelita
    pray
    on Monday, June 1, 2009 at 10:39 pm
    before I sleep I always pray..
    I always ask GOD that all I do or everything that I'm going to be... is to/for HIM, ask Him to help you to learn or know what are His purpose for you in your life.... thats what i do.. =)
    Steph
    Re: i need advice!
    on Tuesday, June 2, 2009 at 10:08 am
    I would just suggest evaluating the friendship. Pray for her, and pray for wisdom. Do you think she's going to come around? Do you think it would improve the situation to speak to her about it?
    If I were you, I would be a good friend to her (i.e. pray for her, treat her with kindness) but for the time being (until she comes around) don't expect her to be a good friend to you... cuz then you'll probably be disappointed and hurt by her.
    Do you know what I'm saying? Try not to put too much stock in her friendship or you'll be disappointed; nevertheless pray for her and be there for her (to an extent). And more than anything, ask Jesus what to do. Hope this helps a little...
    Future Writer
    Re:
    on Tuesday, June 2, 2009 at 12:00 pm
    this isn't completely about the article, but i need advise. i love to write and would love to be a writer when i grow up and i always have story ideas floating around in my head, but whenever i read something like this article talking about giving glory to god i always start to wonder if i should only write "christian" stories. is it ok to write non-christian books? i always get nervous though that if i were to write something Christian no one would read it, but if i think along those lines i'm not trying to give glory to god. what is your opinion on this?
    KaLeigh Long
    This is GOOD
    on Tuesday, June 2, 2009 at 2:10 pm
    I am so full of joy to hear truth. Thankyou Jesus. I love what 2corinthians says, "And He (Jesus Christ) died for all, so that thoes who live should no longer live for themelves, but for he, who died for them,and was raised again" We are not our own. We can have the privilage for living for what is eternal and most of all Jesus Christ. And in simple orddinary work we can live and work for JESUS CHRIST Himself.
    micala
    re:Future writer
    on Tuesday, June 2, 2009 at 8:20 pm
    If i were you and i would love to write (which i don't) i would Iook in the bible for edvise. I seems to me like you are having a heart problem. In the bible (i don't know where) it says that whatever comes out of you mouth is what is in you heart. Whould you do what you are writting about. whould your parents agree. Or even would you show this story of novel to God. And if your answers are no then maybe you should not be writing that.

    And pray about it!!!
    I don't think writting a non-christan story would be bad. What are you writting about.

    micala
    Paula Hendricks
    To Aeryn
    on Wednesday, June 3, 2009 at 10:09 am
    Dear Aeryn,

    Thanks for letting us know about your recent disappointment with NYSSMA. It made me think back to a competition several years ago where I got first runner up. So close . . . but not close enough.

    Now I look back and thank God that He didn’t allow me to win. It would’ve consumed my life, and I’m so glad He had different (and better) plans for me.

    Praying that you will continue to run to Him with your disappointment, and receive His comfort and grace.

    Proud of you, girl,

    paula
    Paula Hendricks
    Re. your Friend Problem
    on Wednesday, June 3, 2009 at 10:19 am
    Dear "I Need Advice,"

    Ugh. I'm sorry. Your situation makes me think of a book some of my friends are currently reading titled “Relationships: A Mess Worth Making.” We see and feel the effects of sin in our relationships all the time.

    I’d encourage you to really ask God how He wants you to handle this situation, like Steph said. Start by looking up the word “friend” or “friends” in your concordance in the back of your Bible—especially what the book of Proverbs has to say about friendships. I see four references in my Bible—let me know if you find more.

    Then, pray these verses into your life and her life, and ask God how you should apply them in this particular situation. I’d love to hear what you learn!

    I’m praying that you will grow in your understanding and amazement of God’s sacrificial love and friendship toward you through this process, and that you’ll be able to extend supernatural, ever-increasing love to your friend.

    I’m proud of you for seeking godly advice, rather than lighting into your friend for her behavior toward you. Thanks for glorifying God through this!
    Paula Hendricks
    To Micala
    on Wednesday, June 3, 2009 at 10:26 am
    Dear Micala,

    You're right--this applies to everything in life; not just our jobs.

    I do want to encourage you that you CAN glorify God through your swimming. I totally understand the struggle with pride when you're good at something. Every time you feel pride rising up in you, run to God. Confess it to Him. Ask Him to give you godly sorrow that leads to repentance. Ask Him to help you hate your sin. And remind yourself that God gets all the glory, anyway, 'cause He's the One who gave you the gift:

    "What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?" (1 Cor. 4:7b)

    Praying that you, Micala, swim for Him!

    Love,

    paula
    Paula Hendricks
    To Future Writer
    on Wednesday, June 3, 2009 at 10:36 am
    Dear Future Writer,

    Wow. You ask a tough, excellent question.

    I DEFINITELY don’t think that the only way you can glorify God is by writing “Christian” stories. All Truth is God’s Truth.

    I also don’t think you need to feel like your writing has to match what other Christians have written. Look at our God’s incredible creativity in people; in plants; in animals; etc.

    This is going to be something you’re going to have to wrestle through for the rest of your life. I really encourage you to ask God these questions. Might sound weird, but He will lead you.

    Finally, I encourage you to do two things:

    1. Write. I’ve had ideas galore in my head my whole life, but I haven’t written because I didn’t know what God wanted me to write. Just write, and leave it up to Him to open the doors for you to share those stories with others.

    2. More importantly, get to know God through His Word. Commit to read His Word daily. Write down what you learn each day. Put into practice what you read each day. Then, whether you’re writing to Christians or not-yet-Christians, you will know God, and His Truth will color and seep through everything you write.

    You go, girl. Write to serve and delight the One who delights over you,

    paula
    Jeannie
    Re: Future Writer
    on Wednesday, June 3, 2009 at 9:03 pm
    I love to write as well. I enjoy it very much!!! Your comment caught my attention while I was scroling through them.

    Look at it this way.

    God wants us to enjoy the beautiful life he has given us! When we sing a song, it doesn't HAVE to be praise to God. It isn't a sin to paint a picture of a flower instead of praying hands. And it's okay to read a book that isn't a bible-- as long as it isn't bad, of course!

    I think God wants us to enjoy ourselves, while following his rules. When we stay true to those rules, and we don't write books with immoral values, or sinful nature, we are glorifying him by following the rules he set down, and I think it makes him proud!

    Hope that helps!

    --Another (Hopefully) future writer
    Fay
    Thank U
    on Sunday, June 7, 2009 at 5:07 pm
    Thank u so much cause c i was jus reading n dat book da other day n that really needed that so thank u n may God bless
    Tiffany Helmick
    AWESOME BOOK!!
    on Friday, July 17, 2009 at 2:38 pm
    The "Lies Young Women Believe" book has really helped me with my spirutual walk with God. Every chapter has helped in my life. I love the book. Ever since I began to read it, I've noticed a change in my relationship with God. I spend a whole lot more time with him than I used too. I've been reading my bible a whole lot more, and praying a lot. To Dannah, and Nancy, thank you so much for making this book! Without it I would probably still be struggling. You guys have taught me a lot through your book. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!
    pitbullgirl
    Re:
    on Friday, July 17, 2009 at 3:17 pm
    this is really helpful. iread a book that said girls should not go to college, just stay home and help the dudes. i was like good for u, but i have ambitions. actually, my life's ambition is to have my own dog. pretty pathetic, right? lol. i mean girls want to be on their own for awwhile. there are lots of opinions out there, but i really like this one. i am also afraid pit bulls are my idol, when i see 1 i have to watch it until i cant se it no more. weird idol huh? anyways thanks!!!!!!!!
    Tiffany Helmick
    Re:
    on Monday, July 20, 2009 at 1:24 pm
    Amen sister!
    God's Princess
    @Future Writer
    on Thursday, September 3, 2009 at 12:22 am
    Hey! I love to write too.

    It depends on what you mean by christian. But I don't think you have to just write non-fiction stuff on modesty or poems about the glory of God! You can write whatever you want as long as it doesn't portray something bad (such as murder, adultery, lying, stealing, etc.) as good. Kinda hard to explain, but I hope you get what I'm saying!
    God's Princess
    Amen!
    on Thursday, September 3, 2009 at 12:29 am
    I love the post. It's a good reminder of why God made us!


    “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” -- 1 Corinthians 10:31

    "The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters." -- Psam 24:1-2

    First Catechism Q.#3,4&5
    Q. 3. Why did God make you and all things ?
    A. For his own glory.
    Q. 4. How can you glorify God?
    A. By loving him and doing what he commands.
    Q. 5. Why ought you to glorify God?
    A. Because he made me and takes care of me.
    Gabriella
    I agree 100%
    on Sunday, September 27, 2009 at 1:48 am
    I totally agree with this article. In whatever situation God allows us to be in we need to be "doing all to the glory of God". He is the one who allows our next breathe. I know in my own life I tend to do things for the praise of others and to gain recognition and status among my peers and this is the definate wrong attitude to have. Whether i'm doing chores around the house or i'm at school or work, everything I do should be for God's honour and glory. Also another interesting point I think is that there isn't really a problem with having a job or going to university (im Australian) but when God brings along a husband for us we need to be willing to give up our jobs or studies if that is what our husband wants because we are created to be our husbands help meet and our jobs or studies may not allow for us to be the best help meet we can be. Thanks for this article!
    Julie
    Future
    on Monday, November 9, 2009 at 4:48 pm
    Hey

    I have been struggling with my thoughts to the future
    I want to be a vet and help animals, but i have never had a pet.
    my mom doesn;t want me to become a vet and i really do. she says to be a nurse but i don't want to be a nurse
    so should i follow my mom or my dreams
    I think god put the idea to become a vet in my head when i saw a dog killed
    I have prayed but there is really no yes or no answer yet

    Pray for me
    Julie
    JoJo
    Julie
    on Sunday, December 27, 2009 at 3:06 pm
    Julie,
    Just like you I really do want to become a vet and help animals. And, just like you, my mom doesn't want me too. I'm praying, just like you, but I really do think that God wants me to help animals. Ever since I was a little kid I've always wanted to help and I've always had a special love for animals.
    Sorry if this didn't help any. Merry Christmas! and a happy New Year!
    Lydia
    @ Future Writer
    on Thursday, March 25, 2010 at 11:08 pm
    Completely agree with other posts; I think that, as long as what you're writing about would be glorifying to God (ie-sin isn't portrayed in a good way) I think he's absolutely fine with you using your gifts that he's given you. You could always lace some Christian ideas in your stories, like CS Lewis in the Chronicles of Narnia. Whatever you do, I hope you'll be great ;) Good luck, hon.

    As for the articles-kudos to the writer!! Convicted immediately. Thank you, God. I needed this!
    Jessi
    new here
    on Sunday, April 11, 2010 at 1:48 pm
    hey! i just wanted to say "hi" since i'm new here, just finished the Lies Young Women Believe book and wanted to visit the blog. i've really enjoyed reading other peoples comments.... thank you!
    Erin Davis
    Jessi
    on Sunday, April 11, 2010 at 4:37 pm
    Welcome, Jessi. We're glad you found our blog.

    Erin
    puretillmarriage
    My issue
    on Monday, February 21, 2011 at 7:54 pm
    my issue is alot like i need advices problem.i know this girl.we have been friends since 8 years ago.we used to cut up,make jokes,cry and feel plain yucky togather but now we went to a retreat with our youth group and she left me to go with someone else who is so popular.She talks about stuff she would never talk about:burping,farting,boys and sex.I backed away from her so i could not be hurt again.i do NOT like who she has become.She said she was sorry but i do not want to cry myself to sleep again from how she hurts me.I have been praying that God will give me the forgiveness i need to heal these open wounds.I am reading my bible(most)everyday.What else can i do?


    PS-we are going to another retreat and i am scared of being hurt...AGAIN

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